Psalms 148:4

KJV

Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that [be] above the heavens.

KJV (with Strong's)

Praise {H1984} him, ye heavens {H8064} of heavens {H8064}, and ye waters {H4325} that be above the heavens {H8064}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Praise him, highest heaven, and waters above the heavens!

Berean Standard Bible

Praise Him, O highest heavens, and you waters above the skies.

American Standard Version

Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, And ye waters that are above the heavens.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 148:4 issues a majestic and exhilarating summons, extending the call to praise the Lord to the most exalted and distant realms of creation. It specifically commands the "heavens of heavens" and the "waters that be above the heavens" to join in a universal chorus of adoration. This verse powerfully underscores God's supreme majesty, His boundless dominion over all creation, and the inherent purpose of every created thing to declare His glory, inviting humanity to contemplate the vastness of His power and the depth of His infinite worthiness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 148 stands as a magnificent crescendo within the final collection of "Hallel" psalms (Psalms 146-150), which culminate in an emphatic and all-encompassing call for all creation to praise the Lord. This particular psalm is meticulously structured as a grand, two-part symphony of praise. The initial section, encompassing [Psalm 148:1-6](/psalms/148-1-6 "Psalm 148:1-6 - Call to Heavenly Praise"), directs its imperative to the celestial sphere, summoning angels, sun, moon, stars, and crucially, the "heavens of heavens" along with the "waters above" to laud their Creator. Following this, [Psalm 148:7-14](/psalms/148-7-14 "Psalm 148:7-14 - Call to Earthly Praise") extends the invitation to the earthly realm, calling upon everything from sea creatures and fire to mountains, trees, beasts, and all humanity—kings, princes, young, and old—to join in this cosmic worship. Psalm 148:4 thus serves as a pivotal and expansive command within the opening, heavenly segment, setting the universal tone for the psalm's comprehensive scope of adoration.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery in Psalm 148:4, particularly "waters that be above the heavens," draws upon the ancient Hebrew cosmological understanding, which is most clearly articulated in the creation narrative of [Genesis 1:6-8](/genesis/1-6-8 "Genesis 1:6-8 - The Firmament and Waters Above"). This worldview conceived of a solid dome, or firmament, separating primordial waters below from a vast reservoir of waters above. While modern science offers a different understanding of the cosmos, the theological point remains profoundly significant: God, as the sovereign Creator, meticulously ordered and placed every element of the universe, even those beyond human reach or comprehension. The "heavens of heavens" (Hebrew: _shamayim ha'shamayim_) is a superlative idiom signifying the highest, most exalted celestial realms, often understood as God's dwelling place, emphasizing the infinite transcendence and majestic holiness of the divine.

* **Key Themes:** Psalm 148:4 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the psalm and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Universal and Boundless Praise**. By commanding the highest heavens and the celestial waters to praise God, the psalmist emphasizes that God's glory and sovereignty extend far beyond human perception or earthly confines, encompassing the entire cosmos. This implies that every part of creation, seen and unseen, is inherently designed to reflect and declare God's greatness, as seen in [Psalm 19:1](/psalms/19-1 "Psalm 19:1 - The Heavens Declare God's Glory"). Secondly, the verse underscores **God's Majestic Sovereignty over Creation**. The mention of "waters that be above the heavens" points to God's absolute power and orderly design, recalling His act of separating the waters during creation. This imagery reinforces that every element, regardless of its perceived nature or distance, exists by His decree and is subject to His command. Lastly, it touches upon the **Transcendence and Immanence of God**. While God is transcendent, dwelling in the "heavens of heavens" as indicated in [Nehemiah 9:6](/nehemiah/9-6 "Nehemiah 9:6 - God's Creation of the Highest Heavens"), He is also immanent in His creation, sustaining all things. The call for these distant elements to praise Him demonstrates that His presence, authority, and worthiness of worship reach into every corner of His vast universe.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Praise (Hebrew, _hâlal'_):** This primitive root signifies "to be clear" or "to shine," and causatively, "to celebrate" or "to boast." In the context of worship, it denotes a clamorous, enthusiastic, and often public declaration of God's worthiness. It implies a joyful, unrestrained acclamation, a shining forth of God's glory through the very act of celebration. The command to "praise him" is not merely an internal sentiment but an outward expression, an active glorification that makes God's splendor manifest.
* **heavens (Hebrew, _shâmayim'_):** This word, often appearing in the dual form, refers to the sky or the celestial realm. Derived from an unused root meaning "to be lofty," it can allude to the visible atmosphere where clouds move, as well as the higher ether where celestial bodies revolve. In the phrase "heavens of heavens," it functions as a superlative, indicating the highest, most exalted, and perhaps even spiritual dimensions of the cosmos, signifying the ultimate dwelling place of God and the boundless extent of His domain.
* **waters (Hebrew, _mayim'_):** This noun refers literally to water. In the context of ancient Hebrew cosmology, "waters that be above the heavens" refers to the concept of a celestial ocean or reservoir of water that God separated from the waters below the firmament during creation, as described in [Genesis 1:6-7](/genesis/1-6-7 "Genesis 1:6-7 - The Firmament and Waters Above"). The inclusion of these waters in the call to praise emphasizes that even the most fundamental and seemingly inanimate elements of the cosmos are subjects of God's creative power and are summoned to acknowledge Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Praise him,"**: This is an imperative command, a direct summons to worship. The "him" refers unequivocally to Yahweh, the Lord, who is the subject of the entire psalm and the ultimate object of all praise. It sets the tone for a universal and active declaration of His glory, initiating the cosmic chorus.
* **"ye heavens of heavens,"**: This phrase employs a Hebrew superlative construction, _shamayim ha'shamayim_, literally "the heavens of the heavens." It denotes the highest, most distant, and most exalted celestial realms—the very zenith of creation, perhaps even beyond the physical universe as we perceive it. This call emphasizes that God's dominion and worthiness of praise extend to the absolute highest and most sublime parts of His creation, encompassing every layer of the cosmos.
* **"and ye waters that be above the heavens."**: This refers to the concept found in ancient Hebrew cosmology, where a vast body of water was believed to exist above the firmament, separated by God during creation. The inclusion of these waters, along with the "heavens of heavens," demonstrates the psalmist's comprehensive vision of creation's praise. It signifies that even elements that are unseen, vast, and seemingly inanimate are part of God's ordered cosmos and are called to participate in the universal adoration of their Creator.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 148:4 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Personification** is central, as the "heavens of heavens" and "waters that be above the heavens"—inanimate or abstract entities—are commanded to "praise him," as if they possess consciousness and agency to worship. This device imbues the cosmos with a living, responsive quality, highlighting the inherent purpose of all creation to glorify God. The phrase "heavens of heavens" is an example of a **superlative idiom** (a construct state in Hebrew), functioning as a form of **hyperbole** to emphasize the absolute highest and most expansive reaches of the cosmos. It magnifies the scope of God's dominion and the universality of the call to praise. Furthermore, the mention of "waters that be above the heavens" serves as an **allusion** to the biblical creation account in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"), specifically the separation of waters by the firmament. This subtle reference grounds the psalm's cosmic vision in foundational theological truths about God as the sovereign Creator and orderer of the universe.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 148:4 beautifully articulates a profound theological truth: God's glory is so immense and His sovereignty so absolute that even the most distant and seemingly inanimate elements of His creation are compelled to acknowledge and praise Him. This verse invites us to consider the inherent worship embedded within the very fabric of the cosmos, where the heavens and their celestial waters silently but powerfully testify to their Creator's wisdom, power, and majesty. It challenges us to align our own lives with this cosmic symphony, recognizing that our praise is not merely an obligation but a participation in the grand, universal purpose of all created things to declare the glory of God. It reminds us that if the vast, unseen realms of the universe are called to praise, how much more should humanity, uniquely created in God's image and recipients of His redemptive love, offer Him our deepest adoration.

* [Psalm 19:1](/psalms/19-1 "Psalm 19:1 - The Heavens Declare God's Glory")
* [Nehemiah 9:6](/nehemiah/9-6 "Nehemiah 9:6 - God's Creation of the Highest Heavens")
* [Romans 1:20](/romans/1-20 "Romans 1:20 - God's Invisible Attributes Seen in Creation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The command for the "heavens of heavens" and "waters that be above the heavens" to praise God is a powerful invitation to expand our understanding of worship beyond our immediate human experience. It calls us to cultivate a profound sense of awe and wonder at the limitless power, majesty, and wisdom of God, who not only created but actively sustains these incomprehensibly vast and distant elements. If the very structure of the cosmos is designed to declare His glory, then our lives, too, should be living testaments to His greatness. This verse challenges us to look beyond our earthly concerns and lift our gaze to the Creator of all things, allowing the grandeur of His handiwork to inspire deeper reverence and more fervent praise within our hearts. It encourages us to see every sunrise, every star, and every natural phenomenon as a silent, yet resounding, call to worship, aligning our spirits with the cosmic chorus that ceaselessly glorifies the Lord, thereby finding our truest purpose in His praise.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does contemplating the vastness of God's creation, as described in this verse, impact your understanding of His power and majesty?**
* **In what ways can you, as an individual, align your daily life more intentionally with the universal call for all creation to praise God?**
* **What does it mean for you personally that even the "waters above the heavens" are commanded to praise God, and how does this challenge your perspective on worship?**

### FAQ

**What are the "heavens of heavens" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "heavens of heavens" (Hebrew: _shamayim ha'shamayim_) is a Hebrew idiom that functions as a superlative, similar to saying "the highest heavens" or "the most exalted heavens." It signifies the furthest, most sublime, and perhaps even spiritual dimensions of the cosmos, extending beyond the visible sky. The Bible often uses this phrase to refer to the ultimate dwelling place of God, emphasizing His transcendence and the boundless scope of His dominion. For example, [Nehemiah 9:6](/nehemiah/9-6 "Nehemiah 9:6 - God's Creation of the Highest Heavens") speaks of God making "the heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host."

**What are the "waters that be above the heavens"?**

Answer: This phrase refers to an element of ancient Hebrew cosmology, most clearly described in the creation account in [Genesis 1:6-7](/genesis/1-6-7 "Genesis 1:6-7 - The Firmament and Waters Above"). In this ancient worldview, God was understood to have created a firmament (an expanse or dome) that separated the waters below (earthly oceans, lakes) from a vast reservoir of waters above. While modern science offers a different understanding of the universe, the theological significance remains profound: it highlights God's absolute power and orderly design over every aspect of His creation, from the primordial elements to the celestial spheres. These "waters" are included in the psalmist's call to praise, underscoring that all elements of the cosmos, whether visible or unseen, are subject to God's command and exist to glorify Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalm 148:4 is a magnificent call to cosmic praise directed at the Creator, its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning are found in Jesus Christ. He is not merely the object of creation's praise but its very orchestrator and sustainer. [Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator") declares that "by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him." This includes the "heavens of heavens" and the "waters above the heavens." Christ is the One through whom these celestial realms came into being and by whom they are continually held together, as [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Upholding All Things") affirms that He "upholds the universe by the word of his power." Therefore, when the heavens and waters praise, they are, in essence, praising the One who fashioned them and sustains them—Jesus Christ. Furthermore, the cosmic praise envisioned in this psalm foreshadows the eschatological reality where every creature in heaven and on earth, under the earth and in the sea, will declare praise to the Lamb (Christ) who sits on the throne, as depicted in [Revelation 5:13](/revelation/5-13 "Revelation 5:13 - Every Creature Praises the Lamb"). Thus, the ancient call for creation to praise finds its ultimate voice and purpose in the person and work of Christ, the Alpha and Omega, who is worthy of all glory, honor, and praise from every corner of His vast creation.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 8:27

But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?

Genesis 1:7

And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which [were] under the firmament from the waters which [were] above the firmament: and it was so.

Deuteronomy 10:14

Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens [is] the LORD'S thy God, the earth [also], with all that therein [is].

Nehemiah 9:6

Thou, [even] thou, [art] LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all [things] that [are] therein, the seas, and all that [is] therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.

Psalms 113:6

Who humbleth [himself] to behold [the things that are] in heaven, and in the earth!

Psalms 104:3

Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind:

Genesis 7:11

¶ In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.